Nigel Farage has renewed his pledge that a Reform UK government would bring an end to small boat crossings across the English Channel within weeks, as he launched a new border policy involving the Royal Navy.
The Reform UK leader announced “Operation Fortress”, a proposed military-led strategy designed to intercept migrant boats travelling towards Britain and return those on board to France.
Speaking at a press conference in Westminster, Mr Farage said he was “entirely confident” that the plan would stop crossings “within a fortnight” if his party entered government.
Reform’s Plan to Use Naval Forces to Return Migrant Boats
Under the proposed “return and rescue” approach, Royal Navy vessels would be deployed to intercept boats carrying people attempting to reach the UK illegally.
Reform said the operation would involve safely rescuing passengers from unseaworthy vessels before transporting them back to France, the country from which many of the journeys begin.
Mr Farage compared the idea to Australia’s previous use of naval operations to prevent migrant boats reaching its shores, arguing that similar action could be taken in the Channel.
He described the proposal as a military operation that would “save lives”, support France’s efforts to tackle crossings and reduce the financial burden on British taxpayers.
Farage Defends Legality of Controversial Policy
The Reform leader insisted the plan would comply with international law despite concerns from critics over whether Britain could legally return migrants to French territory without approval.
Mr Farage argued that Britain already provides significant financial support to France to help tackle Channel crossings, claiming the UK is expected to spend more than £1 billion on efforts to stop migrant journeys.
He questioned the role of the Royal Navy if it could not be used to protect Britain’s borders.
“When you think about it, what is the Royal Navy for?” Mr Farage said, arguing that protecting the country from illegal crossings should be among its responsibilities.
Reform Says Navy Has the Resources for Operation Fortress
Reform’s home affairs spokesman Zia Yusuf defended the practical side of the proposal after questions were raised about whether the Navy has enough vessels available.
Mr Yusuf said the operation would rely on Bay-class ships and offshore patrol vessels, supported by rigid-hulled inflatable boats operated by Royal Marines.
He explained that smaller vessels would be used to approach migrant dinghies, transfer passengers safely and escort them back across the Channel.
Mr Yusuf rejected claims that the plan would require major warships to act as transport vessels, arguing that the operation would use suitable maritime resources.
Former Navy Commander Questions Feasibility
The proposal has faced criticism from military experts, including former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe, who argued the plan underestimated the scale and complexity of the operation.
Mr Sharpe said there was a misconception that the Navy could simply deploy large numbers of ships to solve the crisis, warning that Britain does not currently have the fleet capacity for such a mission.
He described the idea of a major Channel naval operation as an “evocative image” but said the reality would be far more complicated.
The former commander also questioned whether expensive military vessels designed for defence operations should be used to transport migrants, suggesting civilian vessels would be more appropriate.
Questions Raised Over French Cooperation
One of the biggest challenges facing the proposal is whether France would accept migrants returned by British forces.
Mr Yusuf said that if France refused permission, Royal Marines would still escort migrants onto French beaches, creating a potential diplomatic dispute between the two countries.
He argued that France would not want to refuse a humanitarian rescue operation and claimed extensive legal advice supported Reform’s position.
Mr Yusuf accused British politicians of being unwilling to challenge France over the issue, insisting the UK should be prepared to defend its borders.
Conservatives Attack Reform’s Border Proposal
The Conservatives criticised Reform’s plans, accusing the party of making unrealistic promises without explaining how the operation would be funded or managed.
Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said the proposal lacked credibility and claimed Reform had failed to answer key questions about military costs and French cooperation.
He said the Conservatives would instead focus on deporting people who entered the UK illegally, including returns to countries of origin or safe third countries where possible.
Labour Defends Current Approach to Reducing Crossings
The Labour government defended its existing strategy, arguing that enforcement measures were already reducing the number of small boat arrivals.
Energy Secretary Miatta Fahnbulleh said crossings had fallen by around 50 per cent compared with the previous year and argued that the government’s approach was producing results.
She said ministers were focusing on increasing enforcement, targeting criminal smuggling networks and expanding safe legal migration routes.
The government also highlighted increased arrests of people involved in smuggling operations and the removal of individuals with no right to remain in the UK.
Political Battle Intensifies Over Channel Migration
The small boats crisis remains one of the most politically sensitive issues in Britain, with parties divided over how best to reduce crossings.
Reform UK has positioned tougher border controls as a central part of its political message, while critics argue that its proposals could face legal, diplomatic and practical obstacles.
As the debate continues, migration policy is expected to remain a major issue in future elections, with parties competing to convince voters they have the most effective solution.
